University Offering Free Training to Those Who Will Start a Tech Company in Michigan

<March 28, 2012> Kettering University is offering free training for technology entrepreneurs interested in starting tech companies in the State of Michigan. The training, called their TechWorks program, begins in April and runs through May.

Stimulating job creation…
Kettering University, based in Flint, MI, says the program is intended to help create jobs and stimulate economic growth for Michigan, a state hard hit in the current sluggish economic environment.

“We’re helping people with a business or technology background who want to launch a new venture with others,” said Neil Sheridan, director of the TechWorks program. “Taking our course is a great way to accelerate a successful launch and reduce the risk of failure.”

Providing experts and support…
While starting a new tech business is challenging, Kettering has the experts and support network to help, or so says Alex Masters who co-teaches the program with Sheridan.

“Our participants learn how to check whether their idea is likely to succeed in the marketplace,” Masters said in a prepared statement. “By the end of the program they’ll have an effective business plan and be able to pitch others on their idea.”

State government backing…
While the university normally charges $700 for the program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has partnered with the school to offer the spring session at no cost to participants who are starting a business in Michigan. The MEDC’s sponsorship includes free workbooks, start-up tools and an opportunity to network with the guest speakers, facilitators and other participants.

Kettering brings in guest speakers as part of the TechWorks program including patent attorneys, venture capitalists, technology entrepreneurs and other professionals who provide real-world examples of challenges and successes for participants. Part of the value of the program is the ability to interact with these experts.

The program’s Spring session starts on April 4 and runs from 6:30-9:30PM, with additional sessions on April 11, 18, 25, and May 2.

For more details, send contact information to rsvp@kettering.edu. Also see: www.kettering.edu.